Only two, three, or four chapters left to go says 4fireking. Fairy-L-Tail and I like writing together but eventually it's time to say good-bye. It's been fun and praise the new year.

XXXX

Gia, dropping Cooro off in front of the family store, drops down onto the boy's shoulder as he stares at the place he called home for fifteen years of his life. Silently walking forward, Cooro opens the door to the shop; the bell ringing above him.

Noticing a familiar head of Canary as she turned around to face him. "Welcome to -" she began with a large smile, but it slowly faded as she took in the newest customer. "Cooro?" she questioned softly. Walking towards him quickly, he two stand face to face, Cooro now taller than Caray due to the changes of Dragon Slaying Magic. "Where have you been?" she asks.

"Around," Cooro answers simply. "Is Nana here?" he asks, looking around the restaurant.

"We thought Nana was with you," Roxie said as she passed by Cooro and Canary. "We haven't seen her in three months."

"What?" Cooro blanched.

'I think Honō lied to us,' Ishi said to Cooro making the boy grit his teeth and clench his fists. 'That bastard. It was all because we showed up in his gazebo, and got past Seishin. Stupid old freak, I'll kill him.'

"She – she wasn't with you?" Canary wrings her hands together. "Where is she then, Cooro?"

"I know where she is, don't worry," Cooro sighed. "Is... dad here?" he says through clenched teeth.

"Yeah, how did you - ?" Canary begins, but shakes her head to rid her thoughts. Nodding, she pointed to a wooden door in the corner. "He's in his office."

"Thanks," Cooro nods moving Canary out of the way and walking towards the door. Banging loudly on the door, Cooro walks in.

"Cooro," Colin blinks in surprise. "My boy, you seemed to have changed since -."

"You lied to me for fifteen years? Disappeared on me and my sister? Lied to me? Turned me to stone? Hurt my friends? Then disappeared again? Choose one Colin." Cooro glared at him.

"Cooro," Colin got up his chair. "I -."

"Stop it. I know everything."

"You – what? What are you talking about?" Colin shook his head.

"You're not my father." Cooro sighed, sitting down in one of the chairs. "And don't even pretend you don't know what I'm talking about because you do. But, I'm not here to talk about the past. I need Kanellos."

"You – how did you know?" Colin blinked in surprise.

"It's kind of obvious," Cooro sighs again. "Like father like son, right dad?" Cooro says through clenched teeth.

"Cooro," Colin sighs. "Can you give me a chance to explain?"

"Kanellos." Cooro stares at him blankly. "Can I talk to Kanellos, please?"

Nodding, Colin waves a hand over himself. And, with a show of green smoke, Kanellos stands beside Colin. Looking at Cooro, Kanellos looks back and forth between Colin and Cooro. "You two really don't look like father and son."

"See," Cooro sighs. "Another reason why I know."

"Cooro," Colin tries again, but Cooro turns to Kanellos. "You heard about what's happening, right?"

"I have." Kanellos nods.

"And?" Cooro raises an eyebrow.

"I will join you; it's about time someone made a move. I'm in."

"Excellent," Cooro nods. "Head to Fairy Tail, we're all gathering there. I'll meet everyone there soon."

"Colin," Kanellos turns to him. "I'm afraid this is where I leave you. It's been a blast." he chuckles before turning around and disappearing in a green smoke.

Nodding to Colin, Cooro stands and begins to exit. Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Cooro turns to Colin. "What?" he questions.

"Am I not your father?" Colin looks at Cooro brokenly. "Just because you weren't born because of me, I did raise you, Cooro. I taught you everything you know. I was there when you took your first steps, I was there when you said your first words. I was there when you picked up a book and started to read. I taught you magic, and all about magic. I put you in the school you wanted to be in. I did everything I could, even if you weren't my biological son."

"But you lied to me." Cooro pointed out. "You all did."

"But we loved you." Colin stressed.

"Was that the reason why you were gone all the time and Nana, Canary, Kazu, and Roxie had to take care of me? Because you loved me?"

"We were looking for your real parents," Colin sighed. "Nana knew what we were doing. Canary and Roxie knew as well."

"Well, I found them. So, thanks." Cooro grunts out before walking out the office door.

"Is this goodbye, then?" Colin asks, his tone angry as he follows Cooro. "Just like that, you're going to leave? What would your mother think? What about Nana? What about me? You're just going to leave everything you've ever known?"

"There are more things out there," Cooro sighs. "I'm meant for something bigger than you can understand. I'm leaving because I have to, not because I want to. You were there for everything, and you will always be my dad because you raised me, but I'm in this world that you don't understand. You've missed out on so much, dad. I'm in a guild now, I have powers of my own, I found people who know what I'm going through and are there for me. I'm home when I'm with my guild. This was just a part of my life that I have to leave now. This isn't home anymore; I don't belong here. But, I'll be back... only different than before." Cooro takes a deep breath as he runs a hand through his hair. "I'm meant for something great, dad. I have to go find out what it is."

"I know," Colin laughs, putting his hands on Cooro's shoulders. "I always knew you were destined for something; you always were a weird one. Just... come visit once in a while, okay?"

"Yeah," Cooro nods, backing away. "I'll see you around, Colin." He smiles, sticking out his hand.

"A handshake?" Colin raises an eyebrow, but puts his hand in his son's. Pulling Cooro in, Colin hugs him tightly. "Wherever life takes you, always know that not only your guild, but here is your home too. You're always welcome."

"Yeah," Cooro nods, hugging Colin back.

"I love you," Colin laughs, patting Cooro's back as he hugs him tighter. "You'll always be my son."

"Yeah," Cooro says hoarsely as he pulls away. "You too."

Smiling, Colin turns Cooro around and pushes him forward. "Go nuts."

Nodding, Cooro runs outside, Gia appearing beside him. "Ready?" he smiles at her.

"Yes," Gia smiles, picking Cooro up and flying off. "Where to?" she asks.

"Fairy Tail," Cooro sighs.

"Okay," Gia smiles.

XXXX

"Where is he?" Haru questions as he makes his way through the large group of Jinchuki.

"I don't know," April sighs, staring at the door. "Do you think he got into some trouble."

"He's not too far, we can catch up to him if we have to." Bones sighs, biting into an apple the good Kanellos gave him. "Besides what trouble could he get into?"

"A lot," Haru and April sighs. "He's like a trouble magnet."

"Like someone else I know," Natsu chuckles, not to far away.

"Who?" April asks, looking towards him. Watching as he points towards Lucy, who is talking to Levy, April giggles. "Don't be mean to your wife."

"Mate," Natsu corrects.

"Wife," Lucy calls over, flashing the ring on her finger before talking to Levy once again.

"She has a sixth sense," Natsu shudders. "She sees and hears everything," he whispers.

"Is Cooro here yet?" Laxus questions, walking down the stairs, Mira not far behind. "Why are there so many people here?"

"They're Jinchuki, Laxus," Mira sighs.

"Whatever," he grumbles.

Cooro, walking in, looks around the room. "Cooro!" April, Haru, and Bones run up to him. "Where were you?" they ask.

"Around," he shrugs, walking in.

"We heard what you were planning on doing," April says, looking up at him slightly.

"You're really planning on taking on that Rain guy? The dude who took down that King and Queen by himself? The guy who makes Natsu's Dragon Slaying Magic look lame?" Bones asks.

"Look," Cooro sighs. "I've waited months to fight this guy and now I finally have that chance. I'm a Dragon Slayer too, now. I can shoot cannon balls and transform into a gargoyle. Who knows, I might even surprise everyone with Ishi. I can do this." He nods.

"Oh Cooro!" Beauty cries, clinging onto his arm. "You're so attractive when you talk about how tough you are. Why don't we go somewhere and you can show me what else you know," Beauty winks at Cooro, but the two are pulled apart by April. Cooro, looking at April, watching as she crosses her arms and looks forward.

"I never knew the world's most seductive Fairy Tail member could fall for the world's strangest mage," Giga chuckles as he and Levy pause from fawning over new books Mira recently brought in.

Kokat, now standing with April as well, looks around the room. "I think Gray should do this one," she states, catching his attention. "If Rain is still in the Ice Kingdom, Gray's magic will be stronger than ever."

"Rain uses fire magic, he would melt Gray's magic before it even hits him," Mira sighs. "Not to mention that he and Cooro's sister left to an unknown location. We don't know where they are."

"Why don't we just destroy the Ice Kingdom and find out?" Gajeel questions.

"That would be a possibility, but Cooro's sister and Rain may still be in there and we're not taking the chance of hurting them.. well, Rain not so much. If anyone should go, it should be Natsu." Laxus speaks up.

"I don't care who you think should go!" Cooro cries. "She's my sister and it's her boyfriend up there, so it so be me who should beat him and save her."

"Cooro," Romeo sighs as he and Wendy appear. "Natsu is one of the greatest and strongest mages in all of Fairy Tail. He's tenacious and strong. Plus he can absorb fire so he has a better chance than all of us to beat Rain and save your sister."

"No." Cooro shakes his head. "I'm not the weak boy who first arrived in Fairy Tail. I'm not the kid who didn't care what job he had to do as long as he was getting paid. I want to help. First, I want to and have to help beat Waru. Then, I'm going to study to enter the S-Class missions. I'm going to do a whole bunch of things, because I'm a Fairy Tail mage, but those things can wait. All I know is my sister may be in trouble, and even if I have to take down every member in this room without Kanellos' help... I'll destroy every one of you, one by one. She's family, guys. I have to go."

"Cooro, please." April looks up at him. "Let Natsu take care of it. Do it for me, Cooro. Stay here, you're needed here."

"I'm needed there to," Cooro points to the exit.

"Cooro, Laxus has already made up his mind. When the guild Master makes up his mind, there's nothing we can do to stop him. What you're asking is too much, and way too dangerous for anyone but Natsu. You could get killed." Bones looks at him.

"And you would never make it up the mountain alone," Haru adds. "There's a strict red haired warrior in this guild that would love to hunt you down and give you a piece of her metal boot. Believe me, it does not feel good. I might die young if I ever get kicked like that again," Haru shudders.

"Laxus," Giga clears his throat as he appears beside the master. "Perhaps there's a way Cooro can help Natsu."

"From what I can tell," Giga continues. "Jinchuki aren't people who only use one kind of element in their attacks. If Rain isn't completely stupid, which most likely he is, he would change his attacks after seeing Natsu can absorb his magic. Cooro can take him by surprise with his magic abilities. His magic can shatter Rain's Ice Magic. Rain will have no choice but to resort to Fire Magic. Then, Natsu can show up and absorb it. It's an obvious but cunning strategy. Think about it."

"Can't Natsu just melt the ice with his Dragon Slaying Magic?" Laxus raises an eyebrow.

"It's not normal ice," Lisanna speaks up, gaining everyone's attention.

"Lisanna?" Mira asks. "Where have you been all this time?"

"Getting reinforcements," Lisanna smiles, pointing to the door as Elfman, Evergreen, Bixlow and Freed walk in.

"The Thunder Legion?" Mira gasps. "Where have you all been?"

"That doesn't matter right now. Lisanna and Elfman filled us in. We're ready to help." Freed smiles.

"Anyways," Lisanna gains everyone's attention again. "As I was saying, it's not normal ice. It's some kind of crystal version of Ice Magic. Natsu's Fire Magic, legendary as it may be, is completely useless against it and every one of Rain's attacks. I've seen it."

"Fine then," Laxus sighs. "Let's take a vote. Who here thinks Natsu should go alone?" Looking around, Laxus scans the crowd, only a few hands are up; including Haru, Bones, and April. "Okay, and who thinks Natsu and Cooro should work together against Rain?" Looking around the room, Laxus watches as everyone's, but Cooro's teammates, hands are up in the air. "It's settles then. Cooro and Natsu will depart today to the Ice Kingdom. The rest of you will look for the last two remaining Jinchuki."

Bones, Haru, and April, turning towards Cooro all stare at him. "Good luck," Bones sighs, patting him on the shoulder as he walks past. Stopping beside Cooro, Bones turns his head and sighs. "Don't die; I just started liking you."

"You got it," Cooro nods.

Haru, going up to Cooro next, stares up at him. "Look," Haru sighs. "I don't like this; it seems like a trap. Just, be careful okay? I don't want to lose my best friend."

"You aren't getting rid of me just yet, Haru," Cooro laughs. "I want to stick around for a bit."

"Yeah," Haru nods, pulling Cooro into a hug. "Good luck."

"Thanks," he laughs pulling away.

April, now standing in front of Cooro, smiles shakily. "When you get back, we'll have all the other Jinchuki. This Waru guy won't stand a chance."

"He won't, because Fairy Tail is going up against him." Cooro smiles down at April. Putting a hand on her head, Cooro smiles bigger. April, jumping onto Cooro, hugs him tightly, buries her head in his chest. "Be careful."

"I will," he says softly, hugging her back.

"Come back to me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Goodbye Luce," Natsu says hugging her.

"You'll be gone for a few days," Lucy sighs. "It's not forever."

"Still," he sighs, hugging her tighter. "I can't help but feel like -."

"It's a trap?" Lucy finishes. "Yell and I'll come running."

Chuckling, Natsu nods, pulling away. Kissing her forehead, Natsu pats her head. "Make sure to bring Fairy Tail with you. I'll scream extra loud."

"You got it," Lucy smiles.

"Cooro!" Gia cries. "I'm coming too, don't try and stop me!"

"Why wouldn't you come?" Cooro questions. "You need to get me there."

"Happy's coming too, so you won't be alone." Natsu says walking towards them, gesturing to his blue Exceed.

"Aye sir!" Happy laughs.

Walking out of the guild, Cooro and Natsu turn around and wave as the Exceeds lift them up and fly off towards the Ice Kingdom.

XXXX

"I don't remember this place being so cold," Cooro shivers as he and Natsu appear at the front gates.

"If you need warming up, just ask." Natsu says, looking forwards as he walks toward the door. Noticing Cooro not beside him, Natsu turns. "What's wrong? Having second thoughts?"

"No," Cooro shakes his head. "It's just – it may sound silly but after this, and we return to Fairy Tail, this Waru trouble will be over shortly. What happens after? We save Fiore and that's it?"

"Who knows," Natsu shrugs. "There's always something going on." He chuckles.

"You have so much courage, Natsu." Cooro smiles at him. "You really are amazing. But, it's a shame."

"What's a shame?" Natsu questions.

Cooro, turning his arm into a cannon, hits Natsu across the head, knocking him out.

"Cooro!" Happy cries. "Why did you do that?!"

"I'm taking on Rain alone." Cooro stares at Natsu's unmoving body. "When he wakes up, tell him that I can do this by myself. Gia, let's go."

"Right," she nods, lifting Cooro up to the top of the castle.

"Cooro, no! Stop!" Happy cries out to him.

Landing on the top of the tallest tower, Cooro looks around, the snow and wind hitting his face harshly. "Rain! Rain I know you're here! Stop hiding and come out and fight me you coward!" Cooro shouts, his voice echoing.

Suddenly, with the rumbling of the tower, Cooro finds himself falling through it and appearing in a large throne room. "Who's hiding?" Rain's familiar voice fills the room. "Nana and I were just napping."

Getting to his feet, Cooro stares at Rain, barring his teeth. "My, you have certainly grown. Those months alone have done wonders to your growth. What did you do? Sit around all day lifting weights? Hoping that it will help you defeat me?"

Putting his arms out in front of them, they both transform into Cannons. Locking them on Rain, Cooro's eyes flicker over to Nana, who stands in the doorway of the throne room. "Nana, come over here now." When she doesn't move, Cooro turns his head to look at her fully. "Nana, come on. You have to get over here. I have him in my sight, he can't dodge this Cannon."

Scoffing, Rain stares at Cooro. "Nana isn't here against her own will, Cooro. She wants to stay here; with me. She wants to be together... with me." He smiles. Holding out his hand to Nana, she grins and runs over to him.

"I know you've done something to her. Charm Magic, no doubt."

"Nana is too smart for that," Rain sighs, pulling her close. "Charm Magic is only for the weak minded and the gullible. It only works if the person him or herself is already attracted. I didn't have to trick her, Cooro. Tell him, Nana. He only believes you, apparently."

"Cooro," Nana sighs, looking at her brother. "You have to trust me, nothing is going on here. I'm here because I love Rain. We're together and I want to be with him. I'm meant for Rain, I – I want to be here." She says, sounding sincere. "Don't you see, Cooro? If I was bewitched, or mind controlled in anyway, how could I walk out those doors right now if I wanted to? Rain and I love each other; you wouldn't understand. You never really understood people."

Cooro, lowering the Cannons, stared at the person who helped raise him. "I do understand," Cooro looks at her. "I've always understood."

"Then you'll understand that I don't want to leave. I'm going to have a family with Rain. I'm going to be a mom, Cooro." Nana smiles at him.

"What are you talking about? It – you can't be..." Cooro backs away slightly. "What the hell did you do to my sister?!"

"Cooro, stop it!" Nana shouts at him. "If you're going to be like this, then get out of here, Cooro. You're not welcome."

Clearing her throat, Nana shuffles on her feet awkwardly. "Uh, well, Cooro, when two people who love each other very much, they want to have a token, let's say, that shows their love for -."

"I know how girl's get pregnant!" Cooro cries, putting his hands over his ears and closing his eyes tightly. "How old do you think I am, ten?" he questions, lowering his hands. "I'm wondering when you got pregnant with his baby," Cooro says through grinding teeth.

"One week after you left," Rain begins. "I have to tell you that Nana wasn't really happy – with her being cold and trapped in a Kingdom of Ice – but she eventually warmed up to me. It wasn't like I was forcing her to live here. I had a feeling you would be back sooner or later to fight me again. But in case I was wrong, I would get Nana back to her home," he sighs.

"But I didn't want to go," Nana continues. "I wanted to stay here with him. And, you know, tell you that there's no reason to fight Rain. I want to stay with him, Cooro. I'm going to have a family with him."

"There's a snowball's chance in hell that I'm going to let that happen, Nana, this guy deceived you. He used magic on you to turn you into some kind of slave. Do you believe for one second that he won't try to do it again?!" Cooro demands, pointing his arms at Rain again.

"All I remember is him saving me, Cooro!" Nana cries. "It was then, this is now! Right now in the present! I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him, Cooro! I could never go back home if it wasn't for him. I was weak. But, I can leave now and get home if I wanted to. But, I want to stay with Rain."

"He deceived you!" Cooro stresses.

"And I haven't done the same to you?!" Nana shouts, causing Cooro to falter. "I knew about everything this entire time! You aren't even my brother Cooro, and you know that. But I love you like you were flesh and blood. But I still deceived you. Do you forgive me?"

"I do," Cooro nods.

"Then you can forgive Rain," Nana stresses.

"You're family, he doesn't count." Cooro regains control.

"He is now." Nana stresses.

Growling, Cooro glares at Rain. "I trust my gut; and it's telling me to not trust Rain. I will save you Nana, I promise you."

"I don't need saving!" Nana cries.

"Fine," Rain grunts, pulling Nana behind him. "Let's finish this Cooro, I've had enough of you."

"Likewise," Cooro grunts out.

In the blink of an eye, Rain is in front of Cooro, grabbing him by the neck. Slamming the teen into the floor, Rain smirks. "So much for not being able to dodge your cannon. Besides, we're not called the Warrior Demon Jinchuki for nothing, you know." Smirking back, Cooro puts his hand on Rain's and flips them over. "But you're not foolish enough to give up," Rain comments. "And you have gotten stronger," he states as Cooro grips his shirt in his hand.

"Things have... changed," Cooro chuckles throwing Rain up into the air and kneeling down. Locking onto Rain's form, Cooro watches him fall. "I learned how to control the direction of my cannonball when fired," he smiles. "Want to see?"

"I'd rather not," Rain sighs as he grabs onto a piece of ice coming from the wall. Perching himself of it, he stares at Cooro. "You really have changed," he smiles slightly.

"That's too bad," Cooro ignores Rain. "Chain Strike Ribbon Cross!" Cooro chants as air swells around him. Shooting at Rain, the Jinchuki jumps off the perch, but his eyes widen when the cannonballs trail him.

"So you weren't bluffing," he mutters as he's hit in the stomach by both balls. Crashing into the ground, it cracking around him, Rain groans.

"Rain!" Nana cries.

"I'm fine," he grunts, getting to his feet. Turning around, Rain stares at Cooro."You really have gotten stronger. That actually hurt."

"What did I tell you?" Cooro sighs.

"So I see you ditched out on Kanellos?" Rain chuckles. "That's why Iboinoshishi and I work together on things. We get stronger everyday because we work together instead of fighting one another. Iboinoshishi is the Jinchuki, by the way. I could tell you were confused by the dumb look on your face."

"Bastard," Cooro growls. Pointing his arms at Rain again, Cooro shouts, "Cannon!"

Stepping out of the way, Rain sighs. "You never learn, do you?" Slamming his hands on the ground, Rain ignites the floor with his blue flames. Cooro, jumping over the flames, points the cannons at Rain again, shooting at him. Rain, blocking the cannons with his crystal magic, he smirks when the cannonballs drop the the ground with a dull thud. "Your magic doesn't work, Cooro. I am better than you in every way."

Suddenly, Cooro disappears from sight, and Ishi appears, smirking at him. Slamming his staff into the crystal wall, it shatters, leaving Rain defenseless. "Been a long time, hasn't it, Iboinoshishi?" he chuckles.

"Who are you?" Rain questions, backing away a little. "Where is the brat, Cooro?"

Feeling himself being lifted up off the ground, Rain cranes his neck to see Cooro lifting him up off the ground. "Surprise," Cooro smiles letting go of Rain quickly. Turning around, his leg lifted, Cooro kicks Rain in the side, sending him flying.

High-fiving Ishi, the Andalphian disappears, leaving Cooro walking towards Rain. Picking him up by the hair, Cooro punches Rain in the face.

"Cooro!" Nana shouts. "Stop fighting each other! Just stop! Rain isn't controlling me! Stop acting like an idiot and stop this nonsense!"

Getting to his feet, Rain staggers slightly. "Let him fight me," he says to Nana. "He thinks I'm evil and am keeping you hostage. Just because I'm not doing the things he thinks I am, doesn't mean I won't fight him; besides I made the kid a promise. Some people just can't stop fighting, you know? It's in their blood, and it's in his. Cooro thinks that he has to defeat me to fix things. So, I'll accommodate him."

"Don't speak as though you're doing me a favour." Cooro growls.

"Aren't I?" Rain questions, standing up straight.

"I'm not only here to save my sister, Rain," Cooro seethes.

"You want payback, right? Well, come on, fight me."

"I'm not here for that, idiot," Cooro growls, suddenly appearing in front of him. Grabbing him by the front of his shirt, Cooro brings him eye to eye. "I'm going to kill you, first of all, for doing this to my sister. Then I'm going to need your help."

"Before or after you kill me?" Rain raises an eyebrow.

"After." Cooro bites out.

"I can't help you if I'm dead."

"Not you, your Jinchuki. We're planning on killing Waru, and I need the Jinchuki's help."

"What makes you think that my Jinchuki will help you if I'm dead?"

"Because the others have agreed to help," Cooro pushes Rain away and points his arm in front of the man's face. "So, say goodbye, Rain. I'm going to kill you and save my sister."

Gritting his teeth, Rain clenches his fists. "You're an insolent little brat, you know that, right?"

"Any last words?" Cooro growls, magic swelling in his arm.

"Boo," a different voice echoes in the room as the lights go out and the three are left in the dark. But, this dark isn't normal, it's too dark and it feels evil. Cooro, looking towards where Rain once stood grits his teeth.

"Rain," Cooro growls, ready to accuse him when a hand clamps over his mouth and, if even possible, the darkness gets darker.